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Visa cardholders receive everyday card benefits, which are determined by the tier of card you have. The three tiers are Visa Traditional, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite, and each tier has more perks than the last.
Visa Signature is in the middle of this lineup and includes many common cards in the Visa network.
Let’s dive into what a Visa Signature is and how its benefits can impact you.
How do I know if I have a Visa Signature card?
There are several ways to determine if you have a Visa Signature card.
First, some cards simply have it in their name. This is the case with the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card.
Another way to find out if you have a Visa Signature is by simply looking at it. Most cards have the “Visa Signature” label located somewhere on the physical card. This includes one of the most common Visa Signature cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).
All Visa Signature cards will have a minimum credit limit of $5,000. This rule could mean the same card could be either a lower-tier Visa Traditional card or a more benefit-generous Visa Signature card.
For instance, if you’re approved for a card with a credit limit below $5,000, you’ll be given Traditional card benefits. However, if your limit is above this threshold, you’ll receive Signature benefits.
Related: What’s the difference between a credit card network and issuer?
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An important note about card issuers vs. card networks
While it’s good to know what the baseline Visa Signature benefits are, it’s worth noting that there are many cards with unique perks that are not part of one of the Visa tiers.
That’s because the card issuer (such as Chase and Capital One, for instance) determines which benefits you’ll actually receive.
Visa is a card network, not an issuer, meaning it only functions to determine swipe fees and build out a payment infrastructure so merchants can accept their cards.
Having these benefits helps to create some consistency, but it’s really up to the bank to decide what those benefits will be. That’s why you should always check your card’s fine print in addition to this list here.
Related: Can a merchant charge a fee for paying by credit card? Here’s what you should know
Overview of Visa Signature benefits
The Visa Signature benefits range from extra travel and purchase protections to deals and concierge access. Since Signature is a step above Traditional in the tier list, your Visa Signature will always include Visa Traditional benefits at a minimum.
Note that select cards may have different benefits than those listed here, so check with your issuer to find out exactly what perks they are offering under Visa Signature.
Visa Traditional benefits
Visa Signature benefits
These cards offer a number of existing perks to cardholders. However, you’ll want to check with the bank that issues your specific card to make sure you know the full extent of your benefits.
- Sofar Sounds: Visa consumer credit card holders enjoy presale access to select Sofar events and eligibility for a free ticket per show with purchase.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: These include an array of benefits should you need help regarding a trip or an emergency situation.
- Visa Offers: Many retail partners and benefits are available to Visa Signature cardholders. These include Airalo eSIMs, Budget Car Rental, Celebrity Cruises, Hertz and more.
- Visa Signature concierge: Get a concierge to help you with reservations, entertainment, sporting events, and more. To access this service, you have to call 1-800-953-7392 inside the U.S. or 630-350-4551 outside of the U.S.
- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Receive special perks at more than 900 Visa Signature Luxury Hotel properties.
- Visa Signature Rental Car Privileges: Receive discounted car rentals and complimentary upgrades with certain car rental companies.
Related: Better together: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations
Visa Signature cards with added perks
Although Visa Signature cards come with a number of standard benefits (as listed above), some may have even more, depending on the card’s issuer.
For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also comes with the following perks:
- Baggage delay and lost luggage reimbursement: Some cards will give you funds to purchase necessities when your bags are delayed (by six hours or more on the Sapphire Preferred). Some also offer reimbursement if an airline or other common carrier permanently misplaces your bags.
- Purchase protection: A qualifying Visa Signature card covers your new purchases. On the Chase Sapphire Preferred, this is for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim.
- Trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement: This perk can refund the prepaid, nonrefundable costs of a trip that had to be canceled (or interrupted) due to covered emergencies.
- Trip delay reimbursement: This covers necessary expenses, such as food and lodging, when your trip is delayed. On the Sapphire Preferred, this kicks in after a 12-hour delay (or unexpected overnight) and covers up to $500 per covered traveler.
Other Visa Signature cards can offer even more benefits and perks. It’s critical to check with your issuing bank for a full breakdown.
Related: How my Chase Sapphire Preferred saved me nearly $250 on a canceled trip
Bottom line
It pays to know what benefits are out there for the cards you have or are considering applying for. However, because Visa benefits vary between cards based on the issuer’s preferences, do a little more digging to find out what other perks are available. Pick a card that offers your preferred combination of fees and rewards.
Related: How my travel credit cards keep me on the go within a modest budget
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